Brief
Elizabeth Hurley reflects on the Versace safety‑pin dress that launched her red‑carpet fame
Hurley says fit matters most and recalls the last‑minute borrowing of the dress that still influences designers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Elizabeth Hurley, now 61, sat down with the Sydney Morning Herald on October 4 to discuss the Versace safety‑pin dress that made her a red‑carpet icon in 1994. The actress‑model, who first rose to fame in the 1990s with roles in Austin Powers and Mad Dogs and Englishmen, said the dress was a "last‑minute borrow, handed over by a publicist in a white plastic bag" and that she "wasn't thinking about creating a fashion moment; I just wore what I could get my hands on."
Hurley explained that the dress, held together by gold safety pins, sparked a trend for "naked dressing" that later resurfaced on the likes of Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé. She noted that while the look was shocking in the 1990s, it would likely attract little attention if debuted today. "It was considered extremely shocking and special 30 years ago; I doubt anyone would turn a hair if it were debuted today," she told the outlet.
When asked about her current approach to red‑carpet attire, Hurley said she finds black‑tie events "easy‑peasy" but admits that smart‑casual occasions are "surprisingly tricky." She emphasized that fit is the priority: "You can wear the most beautiful dress in the world, but if it doesn’t fit properly, you’ll never feel your best." Hurley added that she works with a trusted alterationist and often has clothes "nipped and tucked" to achieve the right silhouette.
Beyond the safety‑pin dress, Hurley recalled other daring outfits from the 1990s, including a sheer Emanuel Ungaro dress with large knickers underneath, which she described as "about 30 years ahead of its time" but "very tame" by today’s standards. She also mentioned that she never employed a professional stylist in that era, though she has collaborated with several in recent years.
Hurley’s enduring influence on red‑carpet fashion is evident in designers still citing her look on mood boards, more than three decades after the original appearance. She remains a patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and continues to attend high‑profile events, where she says she still enjoys the "glitter and the bodycon, the plunge neckline and the thigh‑high split."
Key facts
- Elizabeth Hurley was 61 years old at the time of the interview on October 4, 2026. (smh.com.au)
- The Versace safety‑pin dress was worn by Hurley at the 1994 Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere. (smh.com.au)
- Hurley said the dress was a last‑minute borrow from a publicist and not intended as a fashion statement. (smh.com.au)
- She emphasizes fit over design, stating a beautiful dress is useless if it doesn’t fit properly. (smh.com.au)
- Hurley recalled wearing a sheer Emanuel Ungaro dress in the 1990s that she now considers tame by modern standards. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Elizabeth Hurley fashion secrets: The 61-year-old on red carpet glamour, the Versace safety-pin dress and her ‘messy’ closet”
